I began volunteering for mosaic through friending them on Facebook. Working in the development bullpen with Nikki and the rest, as well as, in programs with Megan, gave me the courage and open eyes to see what I want to pursue full time.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

Seeing the improvement in the self-awareness of the Mosaic Young Artists.

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

I wouldn't! I think they are a well run organization dedicated to and following their mission.

For my three children and one exchange student, participating in Mosaic has been a life changing experience. and really that is the best way to explain it - an experience.
My son, involved for 4 years, went from a self-conscious, talented introvert to a confident, talented, assertive, motivated individual. My daughter, involved for 3 years, gained training in technical theater that has given her a sense of accomplishment, and fostered, nurtured, and supported her leadership skills that have carried her into her graduate studies. My exchange daughter, of one year from Hong Kong, had experiences and friendships through Mosaic she may never have gotten otherwise. My youngest daughter has been exposed to Mosaic through her brother's joining into post high school volunteering. Her own personal 3 years included office and summer internships. The years of supporting my children’s' involvement has led to my own personal relationship with Mosaic youth Theater of Detroit. While focusing on each person's talent, helping them explore other talents, pushing them to respect themselves and others, and maintain educational excellence, this company gives each member a sense of acceptance, belonging, family, and lifelong relationships.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

The first time I personally attended a Mosaic singers' event, I witnessed the change in the audience and felt the emotional shift as they took command of the stage. This was true for the actors' performances also. When you observe them offstage, they seem to be typical teenagers - goofing around, having fun, or whatever; but when it is time to perform, there is an instantaneous transformation...and they are artists.

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

There is one aspect to the Mosaic ensemble that is presently missing, that is the technical theater component. As in any theater production, there is stage personnel needed. It was such a sense of pride when the Director would announce that even the set was built by Mosaic technical artists and “there were no adults backstage running the production". The return of this program would complete a full circle of Mosaic's theater training.

Everyone should have a chance to follow their dreams I am so proud that my daughter has been given the opportunity to be a part of this organization. Mosaic allows young people to do things that they may not ever have the opportunity to do, like college tours and meeting professionals in the arts. Mosaic as changed my daughter's life for the better for life. (Jenia is totally motivated to be her best thanks to Mosaic). Jenia has always had an appreciation for the arts, playing the viola, cheerleading and dance lessons were her stepping stone before auditioning for Mosaic. With so many interest and distractions Mosaic gave her a foundation, direction, and the best opportunity ever!
My husband and I are volunteers for just over a year I. Our busy schedules don’t stop us from doing what we can to help out. This is a worthwhile place to be a member, volunteer, and donor. Mosaic may not be for everyone’s but it has help my daughter find her passion.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

Every play I have viewed was exceptional and professional.

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

Make it a national organization so all young people across the US would hav the opportunity that my daughter has been given.

I was recently introduced to this group and I could not be more inspired my their mission. To see young artists come together and grow in their craft and with their community is truly beautiful. MOSAIC gives hope and opportunity to kids inspired by the arts. Sadly art programs usually are the first to fall victim to budget cuts in the majority of school. MOSAIC is truly and amazing organization. I look forward to seeing what organization has in its future.

Lisa Garcia

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

I watched the kids from the MOSAIC perform for the In The Heights Tour cast. I was moved to watch kids in my community perform do what they love to do. This organization is inspiring to say the least!

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

I believe this organization is on the right track. With more funding and help from the community, they can grow and help inspire even more people than they already have!

I love this organization! I am a mother of three young children, and I have been taking them to Mosaic's productions since they could sit still, or at least try to contain themselves in the midst of the excitement! Mosaic provides me with a way to give my kids positive and dynamic role models. It gives me a way to inspire my children to achieve all they desire by seeing other young people doing it! I am so happy to have access to this group's efforts and hope it is around when my kids are old enough to participate as members. Until then, we'll gladly be part of the audience!

Mosaic is more than an organization. It is by definition an "experience" composed of a combination of diverse elements (youth). The Mosaic “experience,” unlike any other cultivates the attributes and talents of its members and fuels their passion for the arts. Unlike most of our secondary educational institutions where funding has been eliminated or seriously decreased, Mosaic remains a bastion for the arts.

I continue to remain in awe of the commitment by Mr. Sperling and Mosaic staff to maintain this excellent program. I encourage everyone to dig deep to ensure that this wonderful program continues to provide the invaluable service to the youth, our community, and our world.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

My children, alums of the Mosaic family, received multiple scholarships based upon Mosaic leadership experiences and community service. One of my children formed an a ccapella choir on her college campus because of her experience as assistant student musical director with Mosaic. Another, child was one of two "freshman" given a role in a major production at her university.

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

Raise more money to ensure that more youth have an opportunity to "experience" Mosaic!

Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit has worked with the Head Start program with which I am employed for three years. The staff and youth participants of Mosaic have planned and implemented a series of interactive workshops for the older siblings of Head Start children and their parents.

Mosaic was sensitive and responsive to our needs in developing the workshops for an ethnically and linguistically diverse group of parents and youth.

I was very impressed by Mosaic staff's efforts to understand the HighScope approach to early childhood education. Significant teaching strategies relevant to HighScope were embedded in the workshop activities that were utilized with Head Start families.

Staff were flexible in modifying and individualizing their approach to workshop facilitation to make the experience relevant to youth and parents. They were respectful of Head Start participants who were limited in their verbal English language skills. I witnessed parents who began the series interacting only through smiles and conclude the series by verbally expressing their personal feelings and perspectives with confidence to the total group of participants.

Mosaic conducted workshops that "brought out" youth. Parents reported that they witnessed their son or daughter grow and mature as a result of their experience with Mosaic. Youth who began the series very hesitant to speak up in a group went on to participate in leading roles in their school plays and stage productions. For many of our Head Start youth, the Mosaic experience was life changing.

Mosaic's youthful singing and acting troupe members that participated in the workshop series acted as positive role models for Head Start youth. Several of the Head Start youth pursued involvement in Mosaic following the conclusion of the workshop series.

It is apparent that Mosaic is committed to its mission to empower young people to maximize their potential. I witnessed their tireless pursuit to maximize the development of Head Start youth.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

It was personally rewarding to see how youth matured through their participation in the workshop series conducted by Mosaic Youth Theatre.

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

I see a need to groom more of the Mosaic youth participants for leadership positions within the organizations.

As a Detroit teacher for 20 years, my experiences with Mosaic were both academic, and personal. Whenever Mosaic visited my school, the connection and admiration of the students was palpable - they were not only galvanized by the entertainment level of the group but by the modeled discipline and comraderie that were impliciat and explicit. This organization is free to its participants so many at risk students were able to audition, join and learn professionlism through theater. Mosaic's rate of participants who complete high school is astonishing given the statistics for Detroit. On a personal level, my own daughters became part of Mosaic and I can truthfully say, the organization changed and shaped thier lives.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

My daughters, specific students I have taught, statistically.

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

find a way to insure financial stability given the non-profit turmoil of the past years.

Like many in metro-Detroit, I was first exposed to Mosaic through its shows. The production quality and talent of the youth is inspiring. That experience led me to research more about the organization and it seems well run both in its programs and its finances.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

the quality of their productions.

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

focus less on gospel music based shows and more on all forms of Detroit's music heritage (Motown, garage rock, house music, jazz, etc)

These kids performed at a Diversity Conference held for High
School students in the Farmington Hills area. I can't express enough how good they were. The audience was completely engaged in the performance and it set the tone for the rest of the conference. It allowed the attendees to be open, honest, and accepting in the dialogues that followed.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

I was a teacher advisor at a conference where the company performed. The review describes the impact they had on everyone attending.